When it comes to electrical grids, even the best of them fail, sometimes leaving prisons, airports and other important facilities in the dark, as we’ve seen too much recently. It’s a reason for microgrids, more of them, quicker. Oh and then there are the aliens…

Microgrids are increasingly seen as valuable partners in the drive to produce dependable, affordable and flexible electricity customized to suit diverse demands. Now, by incorporating the energy-as-a-service model, these microgrid benefits have become available to a broader range of businesses and institutions.

With interest growing in how microgrids can benefit the cable industry, the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) is looking into operational practices and standards that can boost industry awareness and enhance information exchange, investment and deployment.

Current microgrid models put strain on the business, institution or community hosting the microgrid. To reduce this burden, the industry has created a third model — this model is called energy-as-a-service (EaaS).

Industry Perspectives

Mike Byrnes, CEO of Veolia North America, discusses how to improve energy efficiency and resiliency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and access new revenue streams for water and wastewater treatment facilities.

About Microgrids

Here you’ll find microgrid 101 information. We define terms and explain concepts to help readers understand the growing usefulness and popularity of this form of distributed energy. We welcome you to send these article links to others who may want to learn more about microgrids.

Industry Perspectives

Ameresco’s vice president of microgrid services, Will Agate, describes the process of getting started on your microgrid project — the very first step of which is to carefully consider and define the needs of your organization and its community.

White Papers

State regulatory bodies are realizing that out-of-date regulatory rules are limiting Microgrid adoption and are working to change regulation. States such as New York, Connecticut, and Minnesota have allocated funding and started conversations on how best to change the state regulation to allow for Microgrids to be adopted.